Halstead
Halstead is a town and civil parish located in Braintree District of Essex in England. The town is near Colchester and Sudbury, in the Colne Valley. In accordance with the 2011 Census, Halstead has a permanent population of 11906. The town originally developed on the hill to the north of the river. The name Halstead is claimed to have actually derived from the Old English 'hald' (haven, shelter, healthy) and 'stede' (site, place or farm), meaning 'healthy farm' 'safe place' or 'place of safety'. The historic core of Halstead can be noted on a walk up the market hill. There are many social, cultural and leisure opportunities in Halstead. A river walk goes through the town from east to west, and just outside the town is Broaks Wood, a popular spot for taking a walk owned by the Forestry Commission. Halstead Public Gardens were set up in 1900 and is noted for its botanic shows. Townsford Mill that spans the river at the bottom of the town houses the Antiques Centre, with thousands of intriguing pieces ranging from clothes to household objects. A historical society consistently holds monthly conferences, and a town museum connected to the town council offices features some historical artefacts and numerous objects confined to regional interest. The Empire Theatre in Butler Road hosts occasional bingo nights. Halstead is also the home of Hume's Bakery, which opened in 1960, and continues to trade at the same store. Halstead's premier football club is Halstead Town F.C. The club plays in the 10th tier of the English football league system, in the Eastern Counties Football League Division One. The town is additionally home to a cricket club and a rugby club that play regularly. For all of your home refurbishments, make certain to find trustworthy contractors in Halstead to make certain of quality.